Blog Post: The Path to Finishing Well
My contemplation of finishing well started a little sooner than it does for most.
When I was in my mid-30s, my father’s two best friends died on consecutive days. I knew them as Uncle Mike and Pastor Bob. I had known these men for many years and had observed them in the decade or so after they retired. Attending funerals within a couple days of each other gave me an opportunity to reflect on what it takes to finish well.
Uncle Mike was a wonderful, loving Christian man. After his retirement, he spent his days traveling, playing golf, and visiting with his children and grandchildren. At his funeral, family and friends gathered to share favorite memories. These usually involved some kind gesture he had done or some word of encouragement he offered.
Pastor Bob spent his retirement years using interim pastoring assignments to raise funds and recruit workers to build churches in Brazil. At his funeral, the pastor asked everyone in the congregation who had to traveled to Brazil with Pastor Bob to stand. About 200 men stood; I was one of them. These were blue-collar working men who had been recruited and inspired by Pastor Bob to use their skills to further the Gospel in South America. In all, Pastor Bob organized the funding and led the construction of more than 20 churches in Brazil—all after retiring from “full time ministry.”
This contrast was poignant to me. It demonstrated that there are multiple ways to finish well. Uncle Mike was a Jesus follower who left a legacy of love and faith with his family. Pastor Bob pursued his passion for church building and discipleship. I believe they both lived the purpose and calling God gave them. And that is the point—finishing well the work that God has called you to do (see Eph 2:10). From that day, I committed to live my life for the goal of hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21)
I also understood that the outcome did not depend on chance, but required intention and effort. At age 37, I began to ask: What do I need to do now so that I can do eternally significant things after retirement? It never occurred to me in my thirties or forties that the urge for renewed purpose would come long before retirement. As I’ve entered my fifties and all the kids have moved out, the process of re-purposing has started in earnest.
A dozen authors will describe the process in a dozen different ways. (See our Resources page for recommended books). But it all boils down to the same basic elements. Perhaps this will help get you started:
1. Get to know yourself again for the first time. Has it really been 25+ years since you set your life goals? All this time, God has continued “to work and to will for His good purpose.” (Phil 2:13) It's time to re-assess your passions, talents, and resources.
2. Explore God’s calling for you. Ephesians 2:10 assures us that God has given us a purpose and work to do. Having you been pursuing your calling or just living out the expectations of others? If you seek, God will reveal what He intends for you.
3. Make adjustments to create opportunities. No doubt you have structured your life to accomplish the goals of the past. It may be time to deconstruct your personal infrastructure in order to create margin for change and growth. What can you let go of so that you can take hold of something new?
4. Get started. Take the first step—even if it is a small one. Don’t fear making a mistake. It is easier to course-correct when you’re moving than when you are standing still.
5. Include others. Finding and pursuing your re-purpose is better with friends. Bring your spouse and others along with you on this journey.